Maison Gavroche

The villa

A superbly renovated and stylishly appointed five - bedroomed farmhouse villa on the outskirts of Castillonnès, Maison Gavroche welcomes up to 10 guests to the beautiful countryside. Well - suited to couples, families or groups of friends, this blend of rustic chic and elegance will enchant you as soon as you arrive.

This traditional home has been given a magnificent contemporary flourish, with expert reconfiguration and extensions making the best of the building’s original charm and features. There’s meticulous attention to detail here regarding the quirky furniture choices and the overall style in a villa that’s brimming with character.

Five bedrooms enjoy chic furnishings, gorgeous beds and colourful wall art, some also featuring air - conditioning. All five bathrooms (two en suite) are immaculately equipped, with free - standing bathtubs or showers. 

The kitchen - diner is wonderfully equipped alongside beautifully - made cabinets and worktops. An elaborate island acts as the room’s centre - piece, while the dining table and wood - burning stove retain elements of the building’s rural heritage. The kitchen opens up on two sides - there’s easy access to the shaded outdoor dining table, where you’ll enjoy gathering for barbecued meals at all hours, along with portes - fenêtres that lead directly to the fantastic poolside terrace. 

There's a delightful outdoor lounge with shaded loungers at the edge of your heated pool, with a shower to freshen up under after a swim, ready for a al - fresco meals under a glorious sunset.

You’ll be within walking distance of all the amenities you’ll need in Castillonnès, and only a short drive from some of the most beautiful towns southwest France offers. The area is awash with superb wineries, restaurants and vibrant street markets, with a world - class golf course not far away. The Dordogne riverside town of Bergerac is reachable in under half an hour, a chic blend of traditional French rural life with a modern touch - much like Maison Gavroche.

Maison Gavroche is situated just outside Castillonnès, a compact and pretty bastide town in the Lot - et - Garonne dating back to the thirteenth century. You’ll find all the essentials required for your stay. There are also independent stores and a weekly market on Tuesday mornings. Typical of the region’s historic towns, there are delightful walks to enjoy, and look out for summer night markets and other village festivities. You can reach the village by following a footpath across an adjacent field to join the road leading to the village centre. 

Crossing the Dordogne border, Eymet is just a twenty - minute drive west, another of the area’s wonderfully preserved bastide towns. An early start on Thursday is rewarded with the chance to explore the varied and colourful wares at the town’s weekly open - air market. From fresh fruit, vegetables and artisanal breads to clothing and accessories, you’ll find a wealth of terrific local produce and goods. The central Place de la Bastide hosts the atmospheric Marche Nocturne on Tuesday evenings during July and August. Terrific street food, late openings at the town’s cafés and a tempting array of stalls all add up to make a delightful evening out in this vibrant town.

A twenty - minute drive brings you to Bergerac and the chance to enjoy authentic Dordogne town life, with medieval, half - timbered buildings lining the squares and streets of the picturesque old town north of the river. There are plenty of restaurants, open - air cafés, and a selection of boutique - style shops. You can join boat trips throughout the day, taking you along a picturesque route through the town and the countryside. Contrary to popular belief, the town has no connection with Cyrano de Bergerac, but those with a nose for a good wine certainly won’t be disappointed by a visit to the home of Monbazillac, Pacharment and Saussignac. A beautifully preserved, twelfth - century cloister in the old town is home to the Maison de Vins de Bergerac, an exhibition showcasing the town’s rich winemaking heritage. You’ll be spoiled for choice when sampling the fabulous labels of southwest France, with many wineries to discover around Bergerac, offering vineyard and cellar tours.